Theatre Of Wine - Great Red Grapes: Exploring Syrah

Also known as shiraz, the syrah grape variety has become increasingly fashionable across the world, having quietly went about its business in France's Rhone Valley for generations. The inspiration for Cote Rotie, Hermitage and Cornas, syrah is unique among red grapes in bringing together wonderful richness of fruit with abundant spice, exotic floral notes and - with some age - richly meaty flavours. It's the perfect midwinter red, ideal for the dark days of late January and wonderfully versatile with all manner of wintry dishes, from lamb shoulder spiked with rosemary to gutsy Touslouse sausages and polenta. We'll be tasting through the light and elegant style of Trinity Hill in Hawke's Bay, a chunky, polished shiraz from Jolandie Fouchet at Kloovenberg, and finishing with a French classic, the 100% syrah Jean-Luc Jamet Cotes du Rhone which is an insiders tip for value and quality in this increasingly pricey region.